Fifty Years of the Divorce Reform Act 1969

The Divorce Reform Act 1969 was a landmark moment in family law, leading to a dramatic increase in divorce rates. This interdisciplinary collection explores its background and influence on law and society, reflecting on the changes to divorce law and practice over the past 50 years and the changing impact on different people. It suggests ways for evaluating what makes a 'good divorce law' and looks to the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Divorce Reform Act 1969 was a historic turning point in family law, coming into force in 1971 and having a profound effect on legal practice. It was accompanied by a significant rise in divorce rates, reflecting changes in societal attitudes. This new interdisciplinary collection delves into the background of the 1969 Act and its impact on law and society. It brings together scholars from various fields, including law, sociology, history, demography, and film and literature, to reflect on the changes to divorce law and practice over the past 50 years and the varying effects of divorce on different individuals in society, particularly women. As such, it provides a comprehensive 'biography' of this significant piece of legislation, tracing its conception, birth, reception, and development, and ultimately its imminent demise. Looking ahead, and in light of the new law introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act 2020, this collection offers insights into what makes a 'good divorce law.' It not only sheds light on this crucial piece of legislation but also on a pivotal period of societal change.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509947881